According to experts, the risks associated with alcohol have historically been underestimated, and the perception of possible benefits, such as heart care, are based on already questioned studies.
With the beginning of 2025, a new call for awareness about the risks of alcohol emerged in the United States. Chief Public Health Officer Vivek Murthy issued an updated warning on alcohol consumption and its relationship to various types of cancer.
According to experts, the risks associated with alcohol have historically been underestimated, and the perception of possible benefits, such as heart care, are based on already questioned studies.
Cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption
Alcohol increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, such as colon, liver, breast, mouth and throat. This occurs because, when broken down in the body, alcohol produces acetaldehydea chemical that damages cells and makes it difficult to repair them, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of cancer cells.
Every year in the United States there are about 100,000 cases of cancer related to alcohol consumption and about 20,000 associated deaths, according to the most recent data cited by Murthy. This has led the chief public health officer to propose an update to warning labels on alcoholic beverages, which would include explicit information about cancer risk. This change, unprecedented in the United States, would require approval by Congress.
Misperception of the “benefits” of alcohol
For decades, the idea that moderate alcohol consumption may have cardiovascular benefits has been promoted. However, recent research has debunked this myth. Dr. Timothy Naimi of the Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research says studies linking moderate consumption with heart benefits were based on imperfect methodologies.
- Methodological problems: These studies typically compared groups of drinkers and abstainers without considering crucial factors, such as educational level, income, or access to health care. These variables, when included in more rigorous analyses, eliminate the supposed benefits of alcohol.
- New genetic research: Studies with people who carry genetic variants that cause aversion to alcohol have also disproved the benefits. These people have a lower risk of heart disease despite not consuming alcohol, suggesting that alcohol does not protect the heart.
International recommendations on alcohol consumption
The global trend points to more severe restrictions on alcohol consumption:
- Countries like Ireland: Starting in 2026, it will be mandatory to include warning labels about the risk of cancer on alcoholic beverages.
- Updated guidelines: The United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Holland and Australia have recently reduced their consumption recommendations. In Ireland, the suggested daily limit is one standard drink.
- USA: Although the 2020 advisory committee recommended limiting consumption to one drink per day for men, this suggestion was discarded. However, current government guidelines recommend up to two drinks a day for men and one for women.
The key message: less is better
The global scientific consensus is clear: Less alcohol consumption equals better health. Carina Ferreira-Borges of the World Health Organization (WHO) says alcohol is linked to more than 200 health conditions, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases and injuries. Reducing consumption can not only prevent diseases but also save lives.
For those considering the risks and benefits of alcohol, Dr. Murthy concludes: “Less is always better, especially when it comes to cancer risk.”
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
